How to Experience the Magic of Autumn in Japan: Best Spots, Foods & Cultural Tips for 2025
- MASX
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
Japan's Autumn is a Living Painting
From fiery maple leaves to crisp mountain air and seasonal treats like roasted sweet potatoes and chestnut desserts, autumn in Japan is a multisensory celebration of nature, culture, and food.
Running from mid-September to early December, depending on the region, Japan’s fall season is one of the best times to visit. The weather is cool and dry, the crowds are thinner than spring, and the country is blanketed in warm hues of red, gold, and orange.
Here’s how to make the most of autumn in Japan in 2025 — whether you're chasing the koyo (紅葉) foliage, tasting seasonal delights, or soaking in a hot spring with a view.
1. Chase the Fall Colors (Koyo) Across Japan
Japan’s autumn leaves change gradually from north to south and high to low elevation. Here are the best koyo spots by region and timing:
🍁 Northern Japan (Late Sept – Mid Oct)
Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido): Japan’s first place to show autumn colors.
Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge (Tohoku): Dreamy waterfalls and golden forests.
🍁 Central Japan (Mid Oct – Mid Nov)
Nikko (Tochigi): Temples and maple-lined trails.
Kamikochi & Japanese Alps (Nagano): Stunning mountain foliage.
🍁 Kyoto & Kansai (Mid Nov – Early Dec)
Arashiyama: Combine bamboo groves with colorful mountain backdrops.
Eikando & Tofukuji Temples: Temple gardens bursting in fiery red.
🍁 Southern Japan (Late Nov – Early Dec)
Miyajima Island (Hiroshima): Floating torii gates surrounded by autumn hues.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Fukuoka): Gorgeous maple tree paths.
📸 Tip: Visit in the early morning or just before sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
2. Try Limited-Time Autumn Foods & Drinks
Fall in Japan is known as “Shokuyoku no Aki” (Autumn of Appetite) — and for good reason.
Seasonal delights to try:
Matsutake Mushrooms – Earthy, aromatic, and prized.
Yaki-Imo (Roasted Sweet Potatoes) – Sold from trucks on chilly evenings.
Kuri (Chestnut Desserts) – Cakes, manju, and even lattes!
Sanma (Pacific Saury) – Grilled and served with grated daikon.
Pumpkin & Persimmon – Used in both savory dishes and wagashi sweets.
☕ Bonus: Autumn-themed Starbucks drinks (think Chestnut Latte or Sweet Potato Frappuccino) are a huge seasonal craze in Japan.
3. Enjoy Autumn Festivals & Events
Japan’s fall season is packed with traditional matsuri (festivals) and cultural events:
Jidai Matsuri (Kyoto, Oct 22): Historic parade of samurai and royalty.
Takayama Autumn Festival (Gifu, early Oct): Floats, lanterns, and elegance.
Kurama Fire Festival (Kyoto, Oct 22): Flaming torches light up the mountain village.
Autumn Illumination Events: Gardens and temples (like Rikugien in Tokyo or Kodaiji in Kyoto) stay open late with dramatic light-ups under the autumn leaves.
🎭 Tip: Check the local city tourism websites in advance—many events return fully in 2025 after pandemic-related pauses.
4. Soak in an Outdoor Onsen Surrounded by Leaves
There’s nothing like bathing in a hot spring while gazing at red and gold leaves.
Top spots:
Kurokawa Onsen (Kumamoto) – Charming riverside baths in a forest.
Nyuto Onsen (Akita) – Remote, rustic, and rich in minerals.
Hakone & Gora (near Tokyo) – Easy access with luxury ryokans and fall views.
🧖♂️ Stay overnight in a ryokan (Japanese inn) with kaiseki dinner and you'll experience true autumn indulgence.
5. Wear a Kimono and Take Seasonal Photos
Autumn is the perfect time to rent a kimono or yukata for a day of sightseeing or photography.
Kyoto and Kanazawa have many rental shops with autumn-themed kimono patterns.
Great photo spots: Philosopher’s Path, Nara Park, Meiji Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera
📸 Pro Tip: Book a private photoshoot during golden hour for Instagram-perfect moments.
6. Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Autumn Spots
Skip the crowds and head to these lesser-known but gorgeous autumn destinations:
Mount Mitake (Tokyo) – A nature lover’s day trip.
Obuse Town (Nagano) – Chestnut town with Edo vibes.
Yufuin (Oita) – Scenic art town with lakes and onsen.
Shikoku’s Iya Valley – Vine bridges and deep mountain colors.
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